Two very different bits of Quake news have landed almost at the same time – one confirmed and practical, the other speculative but exciting. On the solid side, classic Quake is now officially Steam Deck Verified. On the rumour mill, there’s fresh talk that id Software could be heading back to one of its most important series.
Quake is now Steam Deck verified
The original Quake from 1996 has been marked as Steam Deck Verified, meaning Valve has confirmed it runs well on the handheld with working controls, readable text, and no major setup headaches.
In reality, Quake has been running on handhelds and low-powered systems for years thanks to its age and flexibility. But official verification still matters. It tells Steam Deck owners they can download the game and just play, without hunting for community configs or workarounds.
For retro players, this makes the Steam Deck an even stronger “all-in-one” machine. Being able to jump from PS2 emulation to DOS shooters to early 3D PC classics without friction is exactly the kind of future retro gaming has been drifting toward. Quake being formally blessed for Deck play just locks that in a little more tightly.
Could id Software be going back to Quake?
At the same time, a new report has stirred up speculation that id Software might return to the Quake series. The claim comes from wider discussion around Microsoft and Xbox’s long-term plans, with dormant franchises under its umbrella – including Quake – being floated as potential revival candidates.
Nothing is confirmed. There’s no trailer, no announcement, and no official hint from id itself. But it’s enough to get people talking, especially as Quake hasn’t had a traditional numbered entry since 2005’s Quake 4. Quake Champions kept the name alive, but it never really filled the same role as a full, single-player-driven sequel.
Given id Software’s modern track record with DOOM and DOOM Eternal, the idea of them applying that same energy to Quake is not hard to imagine. Fast movement, brutal weapons, strange worlds, and heavy atmosphere still feel like a good fit for modern hardware.
(Engadget)
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
